In person

Report online

Under reporting is a major issue in relation to all hate crimes. Research has established that much higher levels of hate crimes take place than are currently reported. As an example it is estimated that as much as 75% of all hate crimes are not reported.

Disability hate crime has very low reporting rates which are linked to broader social issues. We are working to address this with relevant agencies, voluntary and partner organisations.

Please come forward and report any hate crime you are being subjected to. Without your assistance we cannot stop the hate crime that is happening to you or begin to tackle the problem long term. As part of our commitment to dealing with hate crime, we have a sergeant in each of our neighbourhood policing units who acts as a single point of contact for hate crime.

Challenging and reducing hate crime

We know that hate crime inflicts a greater psychological distress on the victim than a non-bias crime and victims can suffer severe post-traumatic stress symptoms such as depression, anxiety and anger. These are some of the many reasons that hate crime receives a different approach than other non-hate motivated requests.

Violence and harassment take place as part of hate crimes, often over sustained and prolonged periods of time with long term physical and psychological effects on victims, children and families. For many this abuse may be verbal abuse received on a daily basis, intervention is required at this level before abuse escalates.

We believe that everyone has the right to live without fear of abuse, whether verbal, physical or sexual. Individuals are also entitled to live in their homes without fearing damage to their property.

We will support victims to report incidents to enable us to gather evidence of abuse and ultimately to allow the courts to prosecute the people responsible.